Tommy Vohs – Extension of the I – Interview – An Inspiring And Talented Mobile Photographer With An Eye For Color

Welcome to another new series of interviews and insights that we are running on theappwhisperer.com. This new section, entitled, “Extension of the I,” goes deeper into the photographic aspects of mobile photography. It delves into the lives, thoughts and influences that our artists experience from their photography. No other mobile photography website reaches the depths and emotions of the mobile photographers as we do in this new series of interviews. If you’ve missed our previous interviews of this series, you can read them here.

We think you’re going to enjoy this, a lot. Today we are featuring Tommy Vohs. We recently interviewed Tommy in our “A Day in the Life” interview series. And if you missed that, you can read it here. Tommy is originally from the Channel Island of Jersey and has been living in Canada most of her life. She has worked as a train conductor at Canadian National and VIA Rail out of Toronto for 25 years and will soon be working solely at VIA as an engineer, driving the passenger trains along the Quebec, Toronto, Windsor corridor. When she’s not working you’ll find Tommy playing ice hockey, guitar or with spending time with her girlfriend Erin’s two kids; Max and Phoebe. The iPhone has a very important place in her life and she’s constantly in the ” iPhone position”; shooting, editing, squinting.

Tommy is honored to have had her work exhibited at the Red Church Gallery, coeval, Ontario; the MJG Gallery, Parliament Street, Toronto; LA MAF, Santa Monica, California; the Kiernan Gallery, Lexington, Virginia and Akasha Art Projects, Church St, Toronto.

Read more about Tommy in the following interview. You also find all the links to the apps mentioned at the end of this article.

(If you would like to be interviewed for our new “A Day in the Life of…” section, just send an email to Joanne@theappwhisperer.com, and we’ll get it set up.”

First Things First

Tommy – I’d like to think I’ve come by it naturally….My father was an excellent portrait photographer, but it was just a hobby to him. I was completely captivated when he’d develop photos in his own small primitive dark room. I saw what he could create and was especially wowed by a double exposure he shot of my Mother in 1969, both sitting in the chair and standing next to herself lighting her own cigarette. I was 3 when he shot that and I’ve never forgotten it.

Flash forward to November 2010. I am a train conductor in Toronto. I was driving a massive 2 mile long, 11,000 ton freight train when I hit a fully loaded transport truck, dead centre on the cab of the truck. I’d had many accidents before, most resulting in fatalities; a boy, several men, a suicidal woman. I couldn’t return to work without finally dealing with all of those deaths. Part of my recovery process was getting a hobby….. Power up the iPhone..

One week after the accident a friend made me purchase an iPhone and not long after I discovered photography apps. I started shooting photos of myself on-board transit to calm down as I’d travel to the workplace trauma clinic. Then I found iPhoneArt.com and it opened up a whole world of possibilities to me.

Influences

Who: My Father is at the top of the list. His ability to capture mood in photos is, in my opinion, second to none.

Next are the women who have influenced my attitude toward not only photography but living life. Unapologetic, and moving against the grain of so-called normalcy, they used their cameras to break down the barriers of sexism, and male dominance in their art form.

Who – Margaret Bourke-White, who was a brave pioneer to the letter of the word. She was the first foreign photographer permitted into the Soviet Union, the first female war correspondent allowed into a combat zone and shot the very first cover of Life Magazine. It doesn’t end there. If you have the desire to hear more, her life was one courageous moment after another. She was nicknamed “Maggie, the indestructible”. Her general attitude to life was either you are with me or get out of the way.

Who – Frances Benjamin Johnston who was called a bohemian for her nervy intrusions into the male-dominated world of photography and more specifically her shots of the female nude. Rising up against adversity, she remained true to her creative urges; not an easy task in the time of her life.

Who – Diane Arbus; shooting marginalized people and calling them Aristocrats, she stood out among photographers of her time. I know what it is like to be so passionate about your vision yet be surrounded by the harsh sounds of dissent. She would not balk, she would not be deterred. I remember when her death was announced on the news in 1972, I was only 6 but feeling like a stranger myself.

My friends on IPA; Sonya Sanchez Arias and Cat Peck. Their dedication to color moves me in indescribable ways. On my path to recovery, I chose to use color as my prescription drug and resist the many attempts by health professionals to dull my grief with meds. When I discovered Sonya and Cats work, I was thrilled beyond words to let the brilliance of their work move through me and calm my anxiety with undeniable success. Art therapy works!

What: As I’ve reiterated, Color is a huge influence. It reaches deep inside me and turns all of my switches to the on position. My home is painted in orange and peanut butter brown and yellow. I can’t imagine living in a place with white walls…

Transit, shiny metal, speedy vehicles and deep woods tweak my inner core and open up my eyes like a high voltage shock. I know they seem to be contradictions but I am not a one dimensional being.

Subjects

Tommy – I guess as far as my propensity for transit, my job of 25 years is responsible for that attraction. I’ve never ceased to be amazed by the power and capabilities of trains, planes and other forms of mass transit. The speed and shiny metal really draw me in.

The strength and fragility of nature combined with all of its intense colors is a complete draw for me too. Nothing takes my breath away like a nature shot lit by the rising sun.

Communication

Joanne – What is it about these subjects that you want to capture/communicate and ultimately convey in your images?

Tommy – I prefer to shoot lots of double exposures because there are always hidden or semi-visible parts, and stories, past and present within the photo . I try to create photos that are like a table of food, not just a plate, meaning I want there to be lots and lots to chew on or look at. I love a good story and like to offer many possibilities in my shots.

What draws me to shoot platforms, busses, trams and street scenes of people especially with a DX camera is the 2 perspectives it gives us. I see people coming towards me but there is a whole world missing out of that picture so I turn around and shoot the next shot of what is behind me.

Exploration

Joanne – Is there another area/subject that you would like to explore, if so, what and why?

Tommy – Yes, planes and airports.. I’d love to be able to capture the energy and surround it in color. The dynamic there is very intriguing to me. There are lots of emotions present; relatives arriving, lovers leaving, the elation of vacation, all nestled into a high adrenaline setting of anti-terrorist measures and average joes in their work-place.

Influences

Joanne – Which photographers (not necessarily mobile photographers) do you most admire and why?

Tommy – I love Elliot Erwitts photos of dogs. His work reminds me of my fathers. Raw and emotional and celebrating the wonderful spirit of our loving companions.

There are many iPhoneographers that I admire, too many to mention but I’m pretty sure they know it. They are mostly color geeks like me. I’ll take this opportunity to give a shout out to some of them: Kata, Ash and Carol, Mary, Beka, Marie, Wendell and McFly. The women I previously mentioned; I get lost in their photos of faraway places, weirdos, forbidden fruit, retina burning colors. I have to very present, as far as focus, in my job. Their Photography takes me to another plane where I can breathe and relax.

Street Photography

Joanne – Henri Cartier-Bresson is in many ways, the Godfather of street photography, even in the 1930’s he enjoyed using a small camera for discretion in order to capture people and tell a story – do you feel this way regarding mobile photography?

Tommy – Absolutely! I try to be very stealth if I’m taking shots with people in them. If I know the folks (rare) I won’t hide their faces, otherwise I blur their features. I try to be invisible but respectful. I value my personal space so much. I want people to know I value and respect their space too and I promise to represent their forms with integrity.

Technique

Joanne – Tell us about your photographic technique – do you rely on intuition or do you believe in a more formal/trained approach?

Tommy – Intuition all the way. I do a quick assessment of the scene and then shoot immediately, leaving some things to chance. I’m not looking for the perfect composition as much as I’m looking for the perfect moment in time. So, I’m willing to take a risk with perhaps not the most optimal lighting or vantage point. It is part of my process; nervy and ‘unapologetic’ as the amazing Liz Grilli once called my art.

Evolution

Tommy – When I got my iPhone I was deep into the throes of PTSD. I had completely isolated myself, I didn’t get out much and therefore I only really had myself and my pets to photograph. From there I started to photograph myself taking transit because I was terribly shy and couldn’t even think about turning the camera away from myself and ‘ intruding’ on others’ personal space. As it turns out i’d much rather be behind the camera than front of it so after a little while I bit the bullet and transitioned to street shots, beach walks, friends. Then I discovered double exposure camera apps…my whole world opened up it seemed. I figured out how to utilize the editing apps and blending/masking capabilities and off to the races I went!

I feel like I’ve come along way since a year and a half ago. When I look back at my first photos I have to say I don’t really like a lot of them but I think it’s important to have them to use as a benchmark really, in the evolution of my photography.

All For One

Joanne – Many of the great photographers, Jacques Henri Lartigue, Robert Frank , Henri Cartier-Bresson described only shooting images for themselves – do you see this attitude with mobile photographers?

Tommy – I know it is my attitude! It is a personal decision that one makes but I really do believe if you don’t do it for yourself, it won’t work out as well.

Risks

Joanne – Do you take risks with photographs, push boundaries? If yes, please give examples, if no, why not, would you like to?

Tommy – Being a color geek is a risk. When I look at the majority of IPhone art, I see lots of muted tones, hipstamatic-style, faded shots and black and whites. Then there is me with bold, in-your-face explosive colors. I’ve been told after posting the rare black and white shot to keep at it more,’ I like this new direction you’ve taken’ yada yada. Thank you! but it isn’t my passion. I want to go into a crowd of people down in the subway and shoot from the hip, lean out of locomotive windows on 250 foot high trestles at 60mph, use a two second delay double exposure camera and take a chance with a fleeting vision then super-saturate the results. I want to capture the energy, the solitude, the power of my subjects and I’m not willing to settle for the “norm”, the average or the expected.

Favorite Image

Tommy – I took a picture on board a street car in Toronto called Rocket Launch. The glowing colors, shiny metal of the seats and street car roaring down the centre of the aisle towards me knocks my socks off. I keep finding things in it I hadn’t seen; a hand holding a newspaper sticking out of the floor, the emergence of previously hidden figures. It is the seamless coming together of two moments in time and I love it.

Post Production (Processing)

Tommy – Yes and it includes hitting the saturation button many times. If I can enhance the image by adding groovy lines, I’ll add them, I also like to play around with infrared color and light blooms or leaks, glimmer glass effects, gradients and contrast.

Tips for Processing

Tommy – To each her own but I’d add sometimes creating two different versions of the same shot , blending them and drawing out the parts that appeal to you then running the shot through dynamic light or lens flare. It can yield some very satisfying results. ( don’t forget to super duper saturate!!!)

40 thoughts on “Tommy Vohs – Extension of the I – Interview – An Inspiring And Talented Mobile Photographer With An Eye For Color”

Really strong stuff here, love the use of the saturated colours although I would be more into the more muted shades for my own work. Great images created using the double exposure. Thanks for the insight into your work and thinking. G

Tommy, I know I’ve said this before… but I really (and I mean REALLY) love your style!!! You are fabulous explosion of energy… and inspire more than you probably realize. Thank you for sharing your art and internal processes with us. Ohhhh. .. and I WANNA go on a locomotive train with you!!!

WOW. The more I learn about you Tommy, the more I’m in awe. Thank you for being so candid and open in this interview; for me it adds even more depth to your work and is so very inspiring! From the moment I learned of your work (LAMAF) I’ve loved it – you’ve got such a distinctive voice. And of course meeting you was awesome…hopefully our paths will cross again. JQ, I wanna be on that locomotive too! 😀

Gerry Coe, thank you so much for taking the time to comment, I really appreciate it. I know saturated colours are a risky enterprise and it is amazing to me that even though I was surrounded in my own darkness, colour never stopped finding its way to me.

JQ : I remember seeing your photography really early on at IPA and thinking “who is this !”. Your art is one thing but your amazing vibe and open heart really pulled me in. (I tried to get you to notice me but my nipping at your heels did NOT work)… But seriously, I value our connection very much and if I could take you into the cab of the locomotive (and little Cat) you know I would!!! Much love and respect to you!!! Xxxxx

Elizabeth Grilli, where do I begin. I mean really it was your work that opened my eyes to the incredible possibilities of the iPhone. When I saw your witchy face covered in branches and writing I remember thinking how the hell….??? I was just a newbie at LAMAF, invisible and tiny and sent out a message to the universe that you answered. I was so so down at the bottom of life at that point but you reached down and grabbed me with your kind comments and pulled me up. Ill never forget that moment and you’ll always be symbolic of my rise from the ashes. I’m absolutely honoured to own a piece of your work. Much respect my sister xxxxxxx

Tommy, what a sensational interview and image series!!! I was riveted reading then looking at your creations, both are powerful & truly encouraging!!! It was also nice for me to see familiar settings here in T.O. I’m in awe and admire who you are!

Catherine Restivo, you know I adore you. I feel like we are sisters too, and although we didn’t get to spend much time together in LA, its like we’ve been friends for a long time. I just erased what I wrote because it was too mushy but please know that it has all been worth it; my years of complete devastation, to be surrounded by people like you, a lovely tender soul. You have my deepest respect, xxxxTommy

Tanci, hello! Thank you so much my fellow Torontonian!! I never thought my images would ever touch anyone but me so I’m completely flattered that you think so. After years and years (decades) of keeping things inside I’ve found new life by letting go and letting out. Without the horrible nasty past that is mine, I doubt I could have achieved any of what you’ve seen. Thank you again! Tommy

Tommy, as you know I am so amazed by you. Such a wonderful breath of fresh air is you! And everybody, I’ve already called dibs on being the president of her fan club. We do, however, need a secretary to make doughnut runs; please inquire within. 😉 But seriously, you are such a fantastic person and artist and feel so lucky to know you (albeit only virtually, for now . . .) xoxoxo

Janine, it is completely mutual. You have a sparkle in your eye that is hard to miss and your beautiful images are a testament to that. Not only has my healing journey brought me a new passion but also, connections like ours that are tight!!! I thrilled to have you in my life!

Tommy, I vividly remember your images at IPA back then! Fearless. Bold. Fascinating in composition and palette. (Absolutely everything I envied, and believed I was not able to achieve in my own work/life, in other words). And your art was and is still utterly original and unique…that in itself is such a gift to us. Well, having a bit of your personal backstory now makes it all the more special… like I said before: please don’t stop. ((((((bearhug))))))

Awwwwwww Michael, how are you bud? I’m very happy to have you here in Toronto with me and it was so great that you and your wife came to my show. I know that we have lots to look forward to together and I hope you know that I appreciate our friendship a lot. Coffee soon, PROMISE!!! Xxx

El Kaphinga, the sun was shining the day I met you and Kata and I’m truly in awe of you and everything you have taught me and the rest of your disciples…like Liz, you will always be held so highly by me. Thank you for our friendship and your enthusiastic comments. Much respect!! Xxxx

Thank you Lola! It’s a big step for me to be so revealing. I’ve been a very tightly shut book my whole life but there is so much positivity that comes from not being afraid and taking the risk to reveal ones self. I’m so glad that you enjoyed this. Xx T

Oh my sweet Dollyhead. What lovely words. I still remember our very first convo at IPA. I aspire to be the calm, level headed woman that you are. Our bond goes beyond art and you know the drill…if I could just reach you I’d squeeze and squeeze!!!!! Thank you for over a year of friendship and just know that as a fellow veg head you have a sister here in Toronto. I love my Dogsitter. Xxxxx

Tommy, you’re amazing and you know I’m such a huge fan of your beautiful energy and love for life. Thank you so much for sharing a but more with us, thank you for the dedication and inspiration you give to all of us on IPA. I enjoyed this so much, your courage that shows through your creative process is outstanding.
Keep being the best, thanks xxxx

Thank you gracious Paula! It was not possible for me to make my journey without the support of friends like you who always led with kindness and were always willing to lend a hand when needed. Xxxxtommy

I’m off to re-read this. What a great interview. Why am I not surprised. I just love how you push the limits and beyond. A true colorist is such a joy! Your energy, determination and passion are just such a complete joy! You’re on my top 10 list to meet in 3-D! Love you Tommy!

MJ! My dear Aquarian sister, you’ve inspired me beyond words and I’m so thankful to have you read the interview. We will meet , I promise. There are pictures to be taken and Aquarians politics to discuss. Take care and thanks for all of your support. Xxxxx

Donating = Loving = TheAppWhisperer.com ❤️

Join Our Twitter Followers

Please Help To Sustain This Site

Clicking on this link will not cost you any money, it is only an affiliate link. When you click this link and make a purchase (of anything) at Amazon, we receive a small percentage of the sale. Thank you!